"I will give you one more chance, Oliver," said his step-father. "You have insulted my son and rebelled against my authority, but I do not want to proceed to violence unless I am absolutely obliged to. I command you once more to go and get Roland's ball."
"If you command me, sir, I must answer as I did before—I must refuse."
Roland looked relieved. He feared that Oliver would yield, and so escape the beating he was anxious to witness.
"Aint he impudent!" he ejaculated. "Are you going to stand that, father?"
"No, I am not," said Mr. Kenyon grimly. "I will make him repent bitterly his rebellious course. Come here, sir—or no," and a smile lighted up his face, "it is more befitting that your punishment should come from the one whom you have insulted. Roland, take the cane and give Oliver a dozen strokes with it."
"You'll back me up, won't you?" asked Roland cautiously.
"Yes, I will back you up. There is nothing to fear."
"I guess father and I'll be a match for him," thought the brave Roland.
He took the cane and advanced toward Oliver with it uplifted.
"If you touch me it will be at your peril!" said Oliver, pale but firm.